In March, California’s NBC4 I-Team broadcasted a report about residents living at a Studio City apartment complex. According to the report, each time there is a significant rainstorm, water leaks from the ceiling in some units. One resident has even been forced to sleep in her living room during rainstorms because the leaks in the bedroom are so extensive.

While the last several years have been exceptionally dry across Southern California, this year’s El Niño has brought much needed precipitation to the region. A number of apartment complexes in the state with leaking roofs had gone unnoticed until the onset of this year’s rain showers.

Tenants in rental apartments with leaking roofs not only have to deal with the damage caused by water, they also have to be aware of potential indoor air quality issues resulting from the growth of mold. Mold can begin to grow on most wet building materials, furnishing and personal belongings in as short as 48 hours if these materials remain wet. Mold spores and fragments can become aerosolized and create health concerns.

“Renters in California living in moldy rental units now have recourse,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “A new state law that recently went into effect amends the Health and Human Safety code that regulates housing conditions, providing tenants with the ability to report mold problems as substandard housing. LA Testing offers the resources needed to determine if mold is present.”

People living in apartments throughout California who suspect they may be exposed to elevated levels of mold can turn to LA Testing. The laboratory offers comprehensive mold analysis, sampling supplies and even consumer test kits. LA Testing has also sponsored a video about apartments, mold and indoor air quality that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/AFjuj-Asb5I.

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.